Top Stories
Stories in Unbalanced that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
What Went Wrong: Flames Extinguished in Battle of Alberta
We were really excited for this, weren't we? For the first time in 31 years, we had the Battle of Alberta in the Stanley Cup Playoffs; an occurrence that--many say--was set to happen in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused that season to be paused. We all salivated over this, and yes, I was part of the "we all." I was six years old when the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers last met in the playoffs, and I wasn't even thinking about hockey at that time, so this was really my first time experiencing this. I was looking for a seven-game, knock 'em out, street fight between these two longtime provincial foes. Instead, we got a short series that went the way of the Edmonton Oilers.
Clyde E. DawkinsPublished a day ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: End of an Era?
Nothing lasts forever. Those three words pertain to literally everything, even sports. In this case, it's about the Pittsburgh Penguins. 16 straight playoff appearances; the longest active streak in pro sports. In those 16 years, the Penguins have reached the Final Four five times, which resulted in four appearances in the Stanley Cup Final, winning three of those four. Among the three Cups includes winning back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017, becoming the first team to achieve that feat in nearly 20 years. Since then, however, the Penguins haven't fared well in the playoffs, winning just one series since then.
Clyde E. DawkinsPublished 10 days ago in Unbalanced
NBA Fantasy: Which Team Matchup Would You Choose to headline the NBA Finals?
Welcome to the ‘NBA Finals fantasy matchups’. So far, the playoffs are in accelerating mode with a few teams advancing to the ‘Conference Finals’. The four teams who are the favorites to advance are Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Warriors, and Suns.
Michael ReynosoPublished 14 days ago in Unbalanced
Is This the Official End of "The Process?"
I’ve written articles about “The Process.” In fact, 11 months ago I wrote this article detailing the Problem with The Process. This is not a hot take, but one that began once the Sixers started tanking.
Blake A SwanPublished 15 days ago in Unbalanced
5 Reasons Why the Lakers had the Most Disappointing Season
According to Caesars Sportsbook, the Los Angeles Lakers became the favorites to win the NBA title among 7 other elite teams (Nets, Boston, Suns, Bucks, Miami, Sixers, & the Warriors). Currently, the Lakers’ season is over for many reasons.
Michael ReynosoPublished 23 days ago in Unbalanced
The Real Story Behind “A League of Their Own”
I’ve been intrigued with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) ever since I watched A League of Their Own for the first time a couple of years ago. As the history lover that I am, I decided to do some more digging. I was entirely blown away by what these incredible women accomplished in the 1940s and ‘50s.
Shandi PacePublished about a month ago in Unbalanced
Capitals Return to Playoffs; East Playoff Field Complete
The eight playoff teams in the NHL's Eastern Conference had actually been set for months, but it finally became official on Sunday, April 17. On that evening, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New York Islanders, 4-2, and with that result, the Islanders were eliminated, and the Washington Capitals (who were idle) received the Eastern Conference's last remaining playoff spot. For Washington, this is their eighth straight playoff appearance, which is the 2nd-longest current streak in the NHL, with the Pittsburgh Penguins' streak being twice as long.
Clyde E. DawkinsPublished about a month ago in Unbalanced
The Von Erichs: A Look Into One of Sports’ Most Tragic Families
The Von Erichs were at one time one of professional wrestling’s preeminent families. Unfortunately, for every triumph they achieved in the fictional world they controlled, real tragedy was soon to follow.
Isa NanPublished about a month ago in Unbalanced
Attend a Senior PGA Golf Tournment
When we retired, knowing we would be living on a restricted income we canceled DISH TV thinking we would not miss it. To our horror, especially my husband’s, only segments of each week’s golf tournaments could be seen with local channels. We missed the extensive commentaries, the backstories, and the personal accounts from the players. We agreed to adjust a budget to include DISH TV and haven’t regretted it once until we noticed the permanent indentation from our butts on the sofa.
Brenda MahlerPublished 2 months ago in Unbalanced
Can The Detroit Lions Finally Bounce Back?
In Sports, it’s fair to argue that, almost anything is entitled to heated debate. Whether that be, in the NFL, the legitimacy of Matt Ryan’s hall of fame credentials or the current best half back or corner in the game. In the domain of the National Football League much is bound for interpretation, and little is cemented as clear truth. Far from such speculation, however, remains a sorrowful constant of several decades, if not the merging of the ‘Superbowl era’. This, the repetitive failure of the ‘Detroit Lions’. Since 2000, the Lions have bolstered a measly five winning seasons – with only two surpassing 10 wins. During this period, the team achieved the miserable feat of a winless season, somehow with a rookie Calvin Johnson amongst their ranks. Fans haven’t celebrated a playoff win since the Barry Sanders era of the Motor City when Rodney Peete and Erik Kramer laced up at QB. In a league of highs and lows, it’s far from hyperbole to suggest the Lions have seen far more lows than highs. Yet, currently, we reach a crossroads in the franchise’s lengthy history. Like the Bengals post Dalton, Detroit are poised upon a new era post Stafford. The question arises, however: Can they embrace this opportunity for change and turn around, like Cincinnati? Or stumble upon this pivotal hurdle?
Martin S. WathenPublished 2 months ago in Unbalanced
Divisional Playoff Recap: The End of the Road?
I do enjoy the Divisional Playoff round for three reasons. One, it's the last taste of Saturday football in the NFL season. Two, the bye week teams began their playoff road, and three, it's the final step before the home stretch in this destination. The NFL's Elite Eight kicked off in Nashville, as the top-ranked Tennessee Titans hosted the Cincinnati Bengals, but it started of badly for the Titans, as Ryan Tannehill threw an interception seven seconds into the game! The Bengals ended up with a field goal off that turnover, and a second field goal made it 6-0, however, Derrick Henry (who was playing his first game since Halloween) ran it in to the end zone to tie the game, but his two-point attempt fell short. I swear, Mike Vrabel is the only coach who is more obsessed with two-pointers than John Harbaugh is.
Clyde E. DawkinsPublished 4 months ago in Unbalanced
After Over A Decade Away Lita's Back But Can The Queen Of Extreme Have One More Run In WWE
Any member of the WWE universe that has watched wrestling since the days of the Attitude Era turned to the Ruthless Aggression Era will know that she was the “Queen Of Extreme.” She’s sexy, talented, athletic, and can cut a promo on the microphone better than most of the men ever performing in the squared circle. With that trademark tattoo, that fiery red hair, and her throw caution to the wind attitude that left fans cheering, she’ll go down in history as one of the best. But, after more than a decade, can Lita have one more run as “Queen of Extreme?”
Jason Ray MortonPublished 4 months ago in Unbalanced
